Global Surveillance of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) is a joint effort of WHO and UNAIDS. The UNAIDS/WHO Working
Group on Global HIV/AIDS and STI Surveillance, initiated in November 1996,
guides respective activities. The primary objective of the working group is to
strengthen national, regional and global structures and networks for improved
monitoring and surveillance of HIV/AIDS and STIs. For this purpose, the working
group collaborates closely with national AIDS programmes and a number of
national and international experts and institutions. The goal of this
collaboration is to compile the best information available and to improve the
quality of data needed for informed decision-making and planning at national,
regional and global levels. The Epidemiological Fact Sheets are one of the
products of this close and fruitful collaboration across the globe.

The working group and its partners have established a framework
standardizing the collection of data deemed important for a thorough
understanding of the current status and trends of the epidemic, as well as
patterns of risk and vulnerability in the population. Within this framework, the
Fact Sheets collate the most recent country-specific data on HIV/AIDS prevalence
and incidence, together with information on behaviours (e.g casual sex and
condom use) which can spur or stem the transmission of HIV.

Not unexpectedly, information on all of the agreed-upon
indicators was not available for many countries in 1999. However, these updated
Fact Sheets do contain a wealth of information which allows identification of
strengths in currently existing programmes and comparisons between countries and
regions. The Fact Sheets may also be instrumental in identifying potential
partners when planning and implementing improved surveillance systems.

The fact sheets can be only as good as information made
available to the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group on Global HIV/AIDS and STI
Surveillance. Therefore, the working group would like to encourage all programme
managers as well as national and international experts to communicate additional
information to the working group whenever such information becomes available.
The working group also welcomes any suggestions for additional indicators or
information proven to be useful in national or international decision-making and
planning.